NHL: Carolina 2, Florida 1

RALEIGH, N.C., March 1 (UPI) -- Corey Stillman scored against his former team and Cam Ward turned aside 41-of-42 shots Tuesday in the Carolina Hurricanes' 2-1 win over Florida.

Stillman, acquired by Carolina from the Panthers last week, scored 5 minutes into the game and assisted on Eric Staal's power-play goal later in the first period.

Ward improved to 27-21-8, making 35 of his saves over the final two periods in a victory that allowed Carolina to maintain a two-point lead over Buffalo for the eighth and final Eastern Conference playoff spot.

Stephen Weiss scored and Scott Clemmensen made 20 saves for Florida.